Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto begins unprecedentedly with a soft solo for piano, and the whole first movement builds up from its repeated four-note pattern. The short slow movement pits piano and orchestra in stark opposition, leading to an exhilarating finale.

Elgar’s Second Symphony was dedicated to King Edward VII, but like much of his music, behind the grandeur of its public face lies a more thoughtful and uncertain world. Elgar’s complete mastery of this wide range of emotional expression, and ability to use his large orchestra, creates a powerful and moving work.